The new Queensland Government has imposed strict new planning regulations for wind farms, with all wind farm developments becoming impact assessable from February 3, 2025.
The new planning pathway for regulating wind farms is the first step to requiring all renewable projects be impact assessable and subject to the same rigorous approval process as other major development projects.
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Some of the impact assessments include:
- Making sure wind new farm applications result in no significant loss of high quality agricultural land
- Workers accommodation associated with the construction of the wind farm does not adversely impact on surrounding communities
- Construction impacts on local infrastructure are mitigated, or if unable to be mitigated, remediated
- Social impacts are identified and addressed to avoid negative impacts on host communities (community benefit)
- Decommissioning of wind farms becomes the sole responsibility of the wind farm operator and guaranteed through bonds or financial guarantees, no longer leaving private landowners at risk
- Any disturbance to environmental footprints are rehabilitated.
Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jarrod Bleijie said all wind farm developers would be mandated to consult with local councils, communities and other stakeholders for new projects.
“From Monday all proposed wind farm developments will be required to undertake compulsory public consultation and respond to stakeholder appeals,” Bleijie said.
“It’s only fair that communities are properly consulted with for any new renewable energy developments in their own backyard, like many suburban communities are afforded when it comes to high rise residential development in their neighbourhood.
“Introducing an impact assessable planning framework underpinned by a new development code for wind farms will provide certainty for investors, communities and councils.
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“The Crisafulli Government is committed to openness and transparency, and we will continue to listen to Queenslanders and engage with key stakeholders in the renewable energy sector as further approval process enhancements are made.”
The Crisafulli Government’s next phase of reforms will focus on making other renewable energy projects impact assessable, such as large-scale solar farm developments, as well as introducing a community benefit framework for renewable energy developments that is similar to the requirements that other major development projects deliver in regional communities.
